Silicone oil combines softness and hydrophilicity

Silicone oil is widely used in the textile, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and other industries due to its excellent lubricity, water resistance and high and low temperature resistance. However, the hydrophobicity of silicone oil limits its application in applications where hydrophilicity is required. In order to effectively balance the softness and hydrophilicity of silicone oil, researchers and engineers have developed a variety of modification methods.

1. Silicone oil modification

Introducing hydrophilic groups: Introducing hydrophilic groups (such as hydroxyl, carboxyl, amino, etc.) into the silicone oil molecular chain through chemical reactions can significantly improve the hydrophilicity of silicone oil. For example, the reaction of silicone oil with ethylene oxide can introduce hydroxyl groups, thereby increasing its hydrophilicity.

Copolymerization modification: Silicone oil is copolymerized with other hydrophilic monomers to prepare hydrophilic silicone oil copolymers. For example, the copolymer of silicone oil and acrylate can simultaneously maintain the softness of silicone oil and impart hydrophilicity to it.

2. Emulsification technology

Silicone oil emulsion: The hydrophilicity of silicone oil can be improved by dispersing silicone oil in water through emulsification technology to form a stable emulsion. During the emulsification process, surfactants or hydrophilic polymers can be added to stabilize the emulsion and increase its hydrophilicity.

3. Nanocomposites

Nanoparticle filling: By filling hydrophilic nanoparticles (such as silicon dioxide, zinc oxide, etc.) into silicone oil, a hydrophilic silicone oil nanocomposite material can be prepared. These nanoparticles can provide a hydrophilic surface, thereby improving the hydrophilicity of silicone oil.

4. Surface treatment

Silicone oil surface modification: Hydrophilic treatment of the silicone oil surface, such as plasma treatment, ultraviolet light irradiation, etc., can introduce hydrophilic groups on the silicone oil surface, thereby improving its hydrophilicity.

5. Mixing of silicone oil with other materials:

Mixing with hydrophilic polymers: By mixing silicone oil  with hydrophilic polymers such as polyethylene glycol and polyvinyl alcohol, a composite material with softness and hydrophilicity can be prepared.

6. Application specific additives:

Adding hydrophilic additives: Adding specific hydrophilic additives to silicone oil, such as hydrophilic silane coupling agents, silicone-modified polyethers, etc., can improve the hydrophilicity of silicone oil without significantly affecting its softness.

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